The first two parts of this series on Seattle’s potential offseason paths were mostly hypothetical. Part 1 asked what it might look like if the Sounders were to jump-start their youth movement ahead of schedule, while yesterday’s Part 2 went all-in to maximize the team’s chances in the short-term.

In truth, though, the likeliest way forward is obvious. Recall the quote from the first article from a Sounders official referring to their current station as “boring” from a team-building perspective. They’re already in a good place. There is very little impetus for radical change.

This is a team that allowed by far the fewest goals in the Western Conference last season. Although the attack was sluggish early, Seattle averaged more than two goals per game after the signing of Raul Ruidiaz and once Victor Rodriguez finally got healthy.

The Sounders have their two best players, Nicolás Lodeiro and Ruidiaz, under contract through 2021 and 2022,...